“TIME”
Richard L. Hudson Jr., FPSH, Life
Director of the York Rite Research Institute
There are many interpretations for the word “time,” which is used so loosely in Masonry. When analyzed critically and place in an analytical perspective, we conclude that it represents not only a moment in space but also a glimpse of our earthly existence.
As we first entered the lodge as a profane, we were asked what we could offer to masonry that it does not have already. It is safe to say that we all answered this question with sincerity, stating, “I AM OFFERING TO GIVE MY TIME.”
According to Webster’s New International Dictionary[1], “Time” is “an appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, began, or end.” This in itself truly explains time in every expectation of Masonic life.
There are many references to time in Freemasonry: High Twelve (noon), an hour past High Twelve, Low Twelve (midnight) are familiar to all. The Entered apprentice divides his time with the twenty-four-inch gauge. Both Apprentices and Fellowcraft wait a certain time before further advancement. Geometry enables the astronomer to fix time and seasons, years and cycles. Ecclesiastes XII begins with the days of thy youth. The book of Job and the adaptation of his words form the Worshipful Master’s prayer that is performed at funerals, “Man that is born of woman is of few days. His days are determined; the number of his months is with thee; turn from him that he may rest till he shall accomplish his day.” The time of the construction of the Temple of Solomon is taught in the Master Mason degree. The Master’s carpet has three steps: youth, manhood, and old age, all of which are symbols of time. The hourglass and scythe are instruments for measuring time and bringing human life and its time to a close. As in all life, time in Masonry is important.
Time is one, but in our minds, it is several dimensions which we store our accidents in the past, our worries and desires in the present; and we preserve the future as a virginal container for hope and will. Time is the dimension of change; therefore, there is and can be no awareness of time without awareness of change. The legend of the Greeks best explains this theory when it comes to the mythological creature with a lion’s body, wings, and the head and bust of a woman. The winged sphinx of Boeotian Thebes demanding the answer to a riddle taught to her by the Muses demonstrates the changing of Time. It was stated; “what creature walks on four legs in the morning two at noon and three in the evening—what is it that has one voice and yet becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed? She killed everyone that answered incorrectly. Oedipus gave the correct answer: “Man, who crawls on all fours in infancy, walks on two feet when grown, and leans on a staff in old age.”[2] The legend states the same as the three steps on the master carpet.
The book of Ecclesiastes explains the purpose and value of human life with a divine plan. The book’s author was believed to be a teacher of popular wisdom whom we know as “David’s son, king in Jerusalem,” but for those that are or may be lost of thought as of this moment, I am referring to King Solomon. The Greek translation of Ecclesiastes came from the Hebrew name Qoheleth which means “one who convokes an assembly.” Chapters 3:1-8, known as the providence of Yahweh, tell us, “For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Wisdom involves knowing the times; otherwise, how would you know when to perform the feast Yahweh commanded us to carry out from generation to generation?
Time is not just a moment, but our life in a day. Each day, we are traveling on that level of time, in search of unity within our Body, Soul and the Spirit (Holy Scripture); thereby being able to contribute Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth according to the Plumb lines (standards) that are set within the covers of the Holy Bible. The “Sanctum Sanctorum” of each individual is the secret chamber of the soul into which one should permanently retire, for we shall never know when our untimely death will come.
So, to refresh your memory, when you stated that you were offering “Time” to our ancient and most honorable fraternity, you were truly stating that you are offering your life of dedication through old age and death.
[1] Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Chicago. 1986. pg 2394
[2] Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. The Modern Riddle of the Sphinx Inc. http://dreamscape.com/morgana/pasiphae.htm